The F5 (Fraternal Five)

Upper Hand

"Enough about me—and all the other guys but you. Where were you, really? Bai combed the whole neighborhood and me and Nong Win went back to the city. We looked everywhere—our places, and our special ones. Or did I miss anything?"

"So I've heard." Off chuckles weakly. "I'm sorry .... I went to the bar."

"What bar?"

"You know ... the bar. Where we first met. To close the book and start anew. Or remind myself of who I was before you, either way. I ended up bawling my eyes out, the bouncer was about to throw me out." Off rolls his eyes in a self-deprecating way.

Gun looks over Off with the softest expression. "Damn, I love you."

"GUN?!!!" Off jumps up for the second time. Or is it third? Whatever, he's lost count. Gun keeps surprising him tonight. Seems like the rollercoaster ride isn't over, yet.

"I love you, you big, silly softie, your never-ending rant about my not getting enough rest, your overthinking, controlling ass, your unconditional, borderline unhealthy love for me, your alpha energy, your looking straight like a snacc. All of you. Thank you for coming to my rescue yesterday when I was cornered by P'Pak. For sensing that I was uncomfortable. For fighting for me—I don't care how wrong this is gonna sound, but that was fucking hot of you to beat him for me. And, above all ...." Voice cracked, Gun takes a moment to compose himself. "Thank you for waiting for me to catch up to you." He works up a small but sincere smile.

"Baby ...." Off groans as he hurriedly scoops the little guy in his arms. His little guy. That loves him. Fuck, he's gonna lose his mind for real. "I'd say I'd wait a thousand times, but we both know I almost let you go."

"No, I almost let you go." Gun corrects Off firmly, pulling back just enough to look his stubborn boyfriend in the eyes. "And I'm sorry. I really am. But you should really start thinking that instead of me, it's you who has the upper hand. I mean, if I was dumb enough to let you go, it would definitely be my loss, not yours, okay? Never yours."

Off smiles unsure. "Yeah? And how so?"

"Because I can always find guys cooler, hotter, taller—the list goes on, but what's the point? No one will love me more than you do." Gun wraps his arms around Off beaming.

"Baby, that's ...!" Off smiles so wide his face hurts. "That's! Shit, will you marry me already??!"

"Whoa, easy now with the crazy, Jumpol!!"

Off pouts. "You won't?"

"In due time, my child. In due time." Gun moves to get off of Off's laps, but the latter's strong arm holds him in place.

"Well, this Jumpol is crazy turned on. At least do something about it." Off's eyes shine dangerously but Gun just chuckles, almost as if he saw it coming.

"Why, now that's something I can help you with, Papii." He winks.

"I'm not holding back this time, so you can kiss your revealing beachwear goodbye."

"Okay." Gun giggles, complying easily.

"And can you free up your schedule for tomorrow, while you're at it?"

"Done and done."

"Really??" Off almost shouts out of surprise.

"Papii ...!" Gun groans. "Why are you so surprised, still?? I agreed to move in with you. I just told you I love you! You want crazy? I'd even stop talking to everyone in town if you so wish for it! You just say the word, Papii." He growls making his point.

"I fell first, but you fell harder?" Off says it as a joke, but Gun's determined answer catches him off guard.

"Don't ever doubt it."

"Oh, fuck me." Despite his words, Off gazes lovingly at Gun. "You got me real bad, Teacup."

Gun smirks. "Well, that's ... enlightening to say the least, but who am I to deny you of your deepest desire?"

It takes Off a second to understand. "Oii! Don't ruin the moment, you brat!"

*

The party on the second night kicks off to a good start. Earth walks around making sure everyone's got one too many as Mix and New 'oversee' the food and dessert table. On the makeshift stage, Krist and Bright are already on their third song, while Gun dances with Win on the dance floor, Off hovering behind him like his shadow. Singto's got his own press conference regarding his surprise appearance.

It's good—almost too good. Until Off gets back from the restroom and Gun is nowhere to be seen.

"Some girls pulled him for a chat, Phi. I think I saw them heading to the beach."

It's really not hard to guess who Win refers as 'some girls'. Off nods his thanks and rushes outside. It's fairly less crowded here, so he manages to find Gun in no time. Standing with his back on him, Gun looks deep in conversation with his ex girl gang, half of which Off recognizes as his old flings.

Well, shit. Guess it's time to finally face the music.